Apprenticeship
This course is the formal training component of an Australian plumbing apprenticeship.
Course name:
CPC32413 Certificate III in Plumbing
Before beginning this course, you must first apply for a job.
This qualification is designed for plumbing apprentices who are employed full time as an apprentice and have a formal contract of training. The qualification will provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to seek registration with the Victorian Building Authority as a registered plumber.
Master Plumbers offers learners two training plan options in this qualification to meet employer requirements:
- Mechanical option - five plumbing streams including water, sanitary, gas, roofing and mechanical services
- Drainage option - five plumbing streams including water, sanitary, gas, roofing and drainage.
Download the full course information here CPC32413 Certificate III
There are no specified prerequisites or entry requirements for learners in this qualification.
However, it is recommended that learners are able to demonstrate language, literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
All new entrants to the Certificate III in Plumbing will be required to undergo a pre assessment of their language, literacy and numeracy designed to identify their level of ability against the ACSF.
It is recommended that learners hold their Construction Industry Induction card (CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry) prior to enrolling in this qualification.
In some cases, applicants have completed a Pre-Apprenticeship or hold a Construction Industry Induction Card (or Basic work-safety white card). Both are recommended, but not a prerequisite.
Master Plumbers (RTO #3937) delivers the qualification CPC32413 Certificate III in Plumbing with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Course structure
Master Plumbers offers two training-plans: Mechanical services and Drainage services.
The following units of competency are required for the award of this qualification:
Water (mandatory): 24 core units and 5 elective units from the water stream
Sanitary (mandatory): 6 core units and 4 elective units from the sanitary stream
Roofing: 8 core units and 4 elective units from the roofing stream
Gas services: 12 core units and 5 elective units from the gas services stream
Plus either:
Drainage: 9 core units and 3 elective units from the drainage stream
or:
Mechanical Services: 4 core units and 11 elective units from the mechanical services stream
Stream 1 Water and Stream 2 Sanitary are mandatory for all learners.
To meet industry expectations, and better develop the skills of our apprentices, Master Plumbers delivers five plumbing streams in either the mechanical or drainage training option.
Units of competency achieved in one stream count as credit for the same unit in the core or elective requirements for any other stream.
Delivery arrangements
This qualification incorporates approximately 3.5 years off the job (RTO based) structured training and delivery. The units required to complete the qualification have been grouped into stages to reflect the skill and knowledge development of apprentice learners over that time. Each stage roughly equates to a year.
Stage 1 Foundation skills
This stage is delivered over 9 x single week blocks of training approximately every 4 weeks.
Stage 2 Plumbing installation skills
This stage is delivered over 8 x single week blocks (drainage stream) or 8 x single week blocks (mechanical services) of training approximately every 4 weeks.
Stage 3 Trade level skills
This stage is delivered over 6 x single week blocks (drainage stream) or 6 x single week blocks (mechanical services) of training approximately every 4 weeks.
Stage 4 Trade level skills (cont.)
This stage is delivered over 2 x single week blocks (drainage stream) or 4 x single week blocks (mechanical services) of training approximately every 4 weeks.
Training delivery methods include;
Practical activities and learning tasks completed in the practical workshop (approximately 50% of the course)
Face to face teacher lead classes (approximately 50% of the course)
Self directed learning activities using learner resource text books, Australian Standards and industry reference materials
The course is delivered at the purpose built facilities at the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC).
The units CPCPCM2055A Work safely on roofs and HLTAID002 Provide basic emergency life support may be delivered and assessed by CEPUTEC (RTO #4612).
In response to advice received from health authorities and restrictions implemented by the government there will be some change in the mode of delivery of apprenticeship training.
To ensure minimal disruption to the apprenticeship program a range of protocols have been implemented to minimise virus transmission. Until we are in a position to resume full face to face provision the apprenticeship program will incorporate a small component of online delivery via Zoom.
Theory sessions normally conducted on the first day of each block will be delivered remotely while all practical training and assessment will continue at either the Brunswick or Narre Warren Campus’.
All printed materials required as part of the theory delivery will be posted out to you prior to the commencement of the block. Theory assessments have been redesigned to allow you to complete them during the online session. Links to the Zoom meeting will be emailed to you a few days prior to your session.
The Zoom app is free and can be installed onto your mobile phone, tablet or PC. You will also require a headset or earplugs. A webcam is optional though strongly recommended. Further information will be emailed out to you regarding these changes.
Please contact us if you feel you may be disadvantaged as a result of what has been outlined. Assistance is available to help with setting up your Zoom account or if you need access to a computer for the session.
Please note that this is a temporary measure and normal face to face delivery will return once the current restrictions are eased.
Course duration
Each stage is delivered over a set period of time, or block. Blocks can run for a period of 1 to 8 week, or up to one year.
Mechanical services option
1416 nominal hours or 27 Blocks delivered over approximately 3.5 years (42 months).
Drainage option
1127 nominal hours or 26 Blocks delivered over approximately 3.5 years (42 months).
Block dates (2020) Please note changes due to COVID-19 restrictions
Block dates will be allocated to each student during their induction.
Block dates are subject to change. Please check with Master Plumbers Training team for further details.
Master Plumbers (TOID #3937) delivers the qualification CPC32413 Certificate III in Plumbing with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Learner fees for government funded courses are calculated in accordance with the State Government of Victoria’s 2020 Standard VET funding contract - Skills First program fee guidelines. Learner fees include tuition fees and materials fees, including text books. This course also may incur an additional cost for tools.
Learners may be eligible for a government funded position in this course.
Are you eligible for a government funded place?
Tuition fee concessions may also be available for eligible learners.
Contact Master Plumbers on 9356 8921 for more information or to confirm your eligibility for a government funded place.
For further information visit the Victorian Skills Gateway to find out more about your eligibility to receive a Victorian Government subsidy.
Fees summary
The following fees and charges below are valid for Year 1 apprenticeship enrolments after 1 January 2020.
Please note that apprentices will be invoiced for fees on a yearly basis.
If total yearly fees are in excess of $1500 apprentices will be invoiced in two (2) instalments;
first instalment (tuition and materials fees) at the start of the apprenticeship year
second instalment (materials fees) at the midpoint of each year.
Download the Master Plumbers MPD14d Fees and payment schedule – apprenticeship for complete course fee details. Note that learner tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
CPC32413 Certificate III in Plumbing – Year 1 2020
| Tuition fees | Materials fee | Other costs | Total Year 1 coruse fee | Gvt contribution | |
| Government funded learner | $10,251** | $850 | Tools | $1,875.00 | $6,150.00 |
| Fee concession learner | $2,051 | $850 | Tools | $1,055.00 | $6,970.00 |
| Indigenous learner | $2,051 | $850 | Tools | $1,055.00 | $6,970.00 |
| Full fee paying learner* | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
** Fees may vary slightly depending on actual enrolled units.
* All learners who enrol in CPC32413 are trade apprentices and are eligible for government funding.
Assessment covers:
- Completion of practical installation tasks, individually or in teams, relevant to plumbing work
- Oral and/or written questioning related to underpinning knowledge
- Application of knowledge during practical activities (e.g. write material lists, plan tasks, develop drawings, read plans)
- Tests /quizzes to confirm knowledge retention
- Preparation of SWMS to ensure fundamental WHS requirements
Reasonable adjustments to our assessment methods are available for learners with specific needs. These will be discussed with a Master Plumbers assessor.
This qualification provides a trade outcome in plumbing. Occupational titles may include: Plumber, Plumber and drainer, Plumber and gasfitter, Gasfitter, Roof plumber, Mechanical services plumber. This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship pathway.
Apprentices who successfully complete this qualification will be required to sit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) external examination if they wish to achieve registration for specific classes of plumbing work.
Recognition
On successful completion, learners will receive the qualification CPC32413 Certificate III in Plumbing.
Learners who do not complete the full qualification will receive a Statement of Attainment for those unit/s which have been successfully completed. Learners will receive credit for these units where they form part of any other accredited course or training package qualification.
Read the VBA Gazetted list of competency units for plumbing registration
VBA (Journeyman) Exam Dates for 2020
March 2 to March 6
April 27 to May 1
September 7 to September 11
October 5 to October 9
Conditions:
Exams are conducted at the Master Plumbers Phoenix Street workshop.
Apprentices should anticipate that the exams will require three (3) full days.
VBA exams are only for apprentices that have completed their training with Master Plumbers.
Only apprentices that have satisfactorily completed ALL training and assessment requirements will be eligible to sit the exams.
Apprentices must book by contacting Master Plumbers ten (10) business days prior to nominated exam date. You will receive confirmation if eligible to attend.
These dates are NOT for apprentices wanting to resit their exams. Contact Master Plumbers separately for possible resit dates and associated fees.
For further information on eligibility and specific requirements contact Cameron Horsey on 9356 7300 or email [email protected]
